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Re: Air tools and compressor

I couldnt find the combo kit but the compresser is $99 and the 3 guns are $129 on there web site. If you go to the store you should be able to find the combo kit for $199. Which is the price for just one gun if purchased seperatly, go figure.
It comes with a finish nailer, brad nailer, and staple gun. All three is what you need for hive bodies and frames.

Re: Air tools and compressor

This gun and a light duty compressor is all you need. You can shoot different length staples depending on your task. 3/4" to 1" for frames, 1 1/2" for boxes. (I use Titebond III wood glue along with the staples).

Re: Air tools and compressor

I bought a Lowes $99 special a few years back. It had a 2 gal, Campbell-Hausfeld compressor (very loud) and a very cheap brad nailer. The nailer lasted about a year. I had just commented to myself that this thing had more than paid for itself when it immediately died. I bought a Hitachi brad nailer on Amazon for about 89 bucks and it is working great in its second or third year. The first compressor died this year and I replaced it with a Husky 8 gallon for about 140 bucks. It is oil filled and runs much quieter, and longer between recharges than the cheap one I had.

The first, cheaper compressor probably helped me build close to a thousand frames, about a hundred hive boxes and all the assorted top and inner covers, as well as screened bottom boards and shims. The new Husky is great and a joy to work with, especially since it is the barn, well away from the wood shop with a 50' air hose running to the shop.

Re: Air tools and compressor

Dont forget craigslist and yard sales, and flea markets for air tools(have them show you that it works before getting out your money). I have picked up some pretty nice compressors at yard sales for under $100. As far as the nailer goes I would check the specs on a crawn stapler to make sure they shoot longer staples. A lot of them will shoot 1/2 to 1 1/4 staples and you will find in the long run that you hardly ever shoot 1/2 inch staples. Go with one that shoots 5/8 through 1-1/2 inch staples and it will do everything you want.I have a couple of brad nailers and I dont use them very much because you can shoot a staple most places a brad will go and you get twice the holding power.

Re: Air tools and compressor

I also am happy with the Harbor Freight stuff. I would have bought a compressor capable of 150psi if I were to do it again, but that is more for other projects. I also use one of their paint guns to spray my boxes.

Re: Air tools and compressor

I paid the extra $100 to get a hitachi compressor that uses oil in the crank case. If you use a compressor more than just for the occasional jobs I would recommend NOT buying an oil-less compressor. I've only had a ridgid staple gun that shoots from 3/8 to 1 1/2, never had probs, never owned a cheap one so can't comment on that but I use the tools constantly during the summer for a variety of other jobs so I've never gone the cheap route as it's come back to bite me in the past.

Re: Air tools and compressor

I've had mine for 20 years and not a bit of problems. I use it in my work (remodeling) so it gets a workout.

That's the compressor I bought. I know 2 guys who work in construction that have had one for years and years that have abused it and it keeps chugging. It's quiet, pumps up fast and isn't heavy. Held enough air for me to go to the field and put cleats on 10 boxes and still be above a 90 p.s.i. threshold.